Sustainability is no longer an isolated function. It now informs how businesses operate, make decisions, and position themselves in the market. With new rules, rising risks, and shifting expectations, companies are under pressure to turn talk into action. And behind that action, you need people who know how to make sustainability real, practical, and impactful.
At EkoElevate, we help organizations do exactly that. We know what it takes to go from ambition to execution – and the kinds of skills that make that possible. Whether you’re hiring new talent or building up the team you already have, here’s what you need to look for.
1. Systems Thinking
Nothing in sustainability works in isolation. Climate, supply chains, labor rights, finance – it’s all connected. That’s why great sustainability professionals need to see the full picture, understand how things interact, and spot both risks and opportunities early on.
This means:
- Understanding how one part of the business impacts another
- Thinking beyond compliance to identify long-term risks and solutions
- Making sure sustainability supports the business, not just adds extra work
Good strategy is not only about setting goals, but seeing the system clearly enough to design the path forward.
2. Navigating ESG Standards and Regulations
The rules are changing fast, and they’re not optional. Whether it’s the EU’s CSRD, ISSB’s IFRS standards, the SEC’s climate rules, or California’s SB-253 and SB-261, businesses are expected to disclose more and do better.
That requires people who can:
- Make sense of the alphabet soup of ESG frameworks
- Understand what applies where, and how to stay ahead
- Turn regulatory requirements into internal roadmaps and clean disclosures
At EkoElevate, we’ve seen how much time and energy gets lost in trying to untangle these requirements. The right skills make a big difference, not just for compliance, but for credibility.
3. Confidence with ESG and Sustainability Data
No more guessing. Decision-making today relies on data – carbon data, diversity data, supplier data, and more. Sustainability professionals need to work comfortably with numbers, systems, and digital tools.
That includes:
- Knowing how to gather and verify ESG data across teams and systems
- Working with tools for GHG accounting, LCA, or supply chain traceability
- Translating complex datasets into dashboards and insights decision-makers can use
The best professionals know how to make data useful, and how to build trust in what’s reported.
4. Communication That Moves People
You can’t do this work in a corner. Sustainability teams need to engage the board, finance, operations, employees, and sometimes even customers. Communication is how this work moves forward.
You want professionals who can:
- Explain technical issues in ways people understand
- Run workshops and conversations that build real buy-in
- Write, present, and advocate for sustainability with honesty and clarity
This is all about helping people see why it matters, and what they can do.
5. Cross-Functional Collaboration
Sustainability lives in every department. Procurement, HR, Marketing, Finance, Legal, Product – everyone plays a role. Professionals need to work across silos and turn shared goals into shared action.
Key skills here include:
- Listening to different needs without losing the vision
- Translating ESG into different team languages
- Managing cross-functional projects with clear roles and accountability
The best sustainability professionals are team players with a backbone. They collaborate well but keep the bar high.
6. Financial and Business Acumen
Sustainability is smart business. That’s why professionals who understand value creation, risk, cost, and ROI are better equipped to embed ESG in strategy.
They should be able to:
- Link ESG work to broader business goals
- Support finance teams in aligning sustainability with investment decisions
- Help leadership see the business case behind sustainability choices
No need to be a CFO. But the ability to speak finance and strategy is non-negotiable.
7. Curiosity and Growth Mindset
- Curiosity and Growth Mindset
This field is always changing. What worked last year might not work tomorrow. Professionals who stay open, curious, and eager to learn are the ones who stay relevant, and keep pushing the work forward.
We value:
- People who ask good questions, not just give fast answers
- A willingness to experiment, adapt, and pivot as needed
- An honest commitment to growth, both personal and collective
Sustainability work is definitely not about having all the answers. It’s about being ready to evolve with the challenges.
Why It Matters
The shift toward sustainable business isn’t slowing down. If anything, it’s becoming more urgent, and more integrated into how companies succeed. The professionals who will lead this shift need to be equipped, supported, and aligned with a vision that goes beyond ticking boxes.
At EkoElevate, we help companies do just that. We work alongside sustainability teams to build capacity, set direction, and stay ahead of the curve – from ESG strategy to regulatory readiness to day-to-day execution.
Looking to strengthen your team? Or wondering where your next skill gaps might be?
Let’s start that conversation? Contact us today!
